Qatar considering offers to host World Cup teams abroad: organiser

Hassan Al Tawadi's suggestion that some teams at the 2022 World Cup could be based in Iran is likely to prove controversial

Qatar is considering offers from other countries to host teams during the 2022 World Cup, but no decision has been taken yet, the head of the organising committee told AFP on Monday.

Iran has recently offered to host teams who will play in tiny Qatar in the World Cup which starts in just over four years time.

When asked whether teams could be based in Iran, chief organiser Hassan Al Thawadi said Qatar had received "numerous proposals from countries with regard to hosting teams" around the time of the tournament.

"This is part of the operational plan, but obviously it will have to be done with FIFA," he said.

"Nothing is decided on this matter yet and it remains under discussion."

Any move to accept Iran's offer would provide a major boost for the Islamic Republic at a time when the US is trying to isolate the country internationally.

It could also prove controversial in the Gulf.

Since 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have imposed a sweeping embargo on Qatar, with its one-time allies accusing it of seeking closer ties with Iran and of supporting radical Islamist groups.